> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.squads-space.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Scrims vs tournaments

# Scrims vs Tournaments

SquadsSpace supports two event types: **Scrims** and **Tournaments**. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right one for your event.

## Scrims

A scrim is a single-group event with multiple matches. Think of it as a practice lobby or a weekly competitive session.

**Use scrims when:**

* You're running a daily or weekly practice lobby
* All teams play in one group
* You want cumulative points across multiple matches (e.g., 6 matches in one evening)
* No stages, no advancement — just play and see who's on top

**How it works:**

* One group of teams
* Multiple matches (up to 8)
* Points accumulate across all matches
* Final leaderboard shows combined standings

**Example:** 12 squads play 6 custom rooms on a Saturday evening. After all 6 matches, the leaderboard shows total points across all games. The top squad wins.

## Tournaments

A tournament is a multi-stage event with a roadmap. Teams progress through stages — qualifiers, semifinals, finals — with advancement rules at each stage.

**Use tournaments when:**

* You're running a competitive event with multiple rounds
* Teams need to qualify and advance through stages
* You want elimination, round robin, or a mix of both
* You need invited slots for pro teams

**How it works:**

* Multiple stages connected by a roadmap
* Each stage can be Elimination or Round Robin
* Set advancement rules (e.g., top 4 from each group advance)
* Results flow between stages automatically
* Supports invited slots at any stage

**Example:** 192 teams enter Open Qualifiers (16 groups of 12, Elimination format). Top 4 from each group advance to Semifinals (8 groups of 8). Top 3 from each advance to Grand Finals (4 groups of 6, Round Robin format). The combined Round Robin leaderboard determines the champion.

## Key Differences

| Feature           | Scrim                   | Tournament                |
| ----------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Stages            | One                     | Multiple                  |
| Roadmap           | No                      | Yes                       |
| Advancement       | No                      | Yes — auto or manual      |
| Group count       | One                     | As many as needed         |
| Invited slots     | No                      | Yes — any stage           |
| Matches per group | Up to 8                 | Up to 8                   |
| Point calculation | Cumulative              | Per stage + cumulative    |
| Best for          | Practice, weekly events | Competitive events, opens |

## Can I Convert Between Them?

Currently, you can't convert a scrim into a tournament or vice versa. Choose the right type when creating your event. If you're unsure, start with a scrim — it's simpler to set up and you can always create a tournament later.